A Tooth Fairy Tale Film Analysis: Animated Journey with a Touch of Family-Friendly Tween Love Story
In this cartoon adventure for preteens, the world of fairies focuses on gathering teeth from sleeping youngsters and placing treasure beneath where they sleep. Board-riding youthful nonconformist fairy Van (brought to life by Booboo Stewart) is less than thrilled about devoting his life to collecting baby teeth—a sentiment that’s entirely reasonable. He’s only slightly more curious about the underlying economics of the situation: the fairies deliver the teeth to mysterious goblins, who provide metal in exchange. However, Van’s interest is piqued when he catches sight of a goblin (played by Larkin Bell), who turns out to be far from the hideous gnome he expected.
A Forbidden Bond and Shared Threat
Everything is prepared for an adventure with a gentle touch of teen romance (even though it remains very much suitable for children). The fairy and goblin groups are separated from each other, and nothing fuels the thrill of the forbidden to unite beings as one. Both groups portrayed in the film are remarkably alike, yet each holds prejudiced beliefs about the opposite side. The fairies are said to be entitled types, prone to stealing whatever they fancy, while the goblins are reportedly dim-witted, foul-smelling, and backward, but are in fact intelligent and technologically advanced.
Of course, such a setup requires a common enemy to join forces against, and this is duly provided in the form of a group of vicious spiders, with voices by Jon Lovitz and Fran Drescher. There’s no beating about the bush with these guys: they want to eat the fairies and goblins, and they serve as quite savage, if not especially competent, villains.
Ideal Viewers and Final Thoughts
There aren’t very many children’s animations aimed at the viewer group that is starting to experience early romances, but are not old enough for whatever 14-year-olds are watching in lieu of popular teen sagas. Should your youngster falls into this age group, this is unlikely to become their new all-time fave, but you could do worse.
A Tooth Fairy Tale releases in Scottish cinemas starting October 10 and across the United Kingdom beginning October 24.
